| Sellers | Setting the Price | Marketing Your Home | Pre-Qualifying Potential Buyers | Negotiating | Closing the Deal | My Unique Marketing Plan | Downsizing Your Home | Moving Checklist |

Sellers

You want your home to sell as quickly and as profitably as possible. However, selling your home is a complex - and often emotional - process, involving large sums of money and stringent legal requirements.

Setting the Price

Marketing Your Home

• A listing on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to maximize your home's
  market exposure. Only realtors have access to the MLS which puts your
  home in front of a huge base of potential buyers and can help deliver fast
  action and the best possible price. MLS is a valuable sales tool that
  makes the details of your property available to a whole network of local
  real estate professionals looking to match your home with a buyer.
  
  
• Promotion on mls.ca, the public web portal of the MLS which enables the
  public to preview properties for sale.
  
  
• Open Houses for other realtors and for the public.
  
  
• Advertising in newspapers, specialty publicatons, direct mail pieces and the brokerage and realtor's websites.
  
  
• Access to a large pool of out-of-town buyers, relocating to Ottawa.
  
  
• Tips and hints for staging your home in the best possible light -
  whether it be a fresh coat of paint, flowers, de-cluttering or rearranging
  your furniture, - your realtor will help you with advice to enhance your
  home's "saleability".

Pre-Qualifying Potential Buyers

Negotiating

Closing the Deal

• Making sure a copy of the signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale is sent to your lawyer right away. Your lawyer needs to see any conditions that exist, and the date you and the seller have agreed to close.
  
  
• Immediately begin satisfying any of the conditions of the agreement that require your action. These have definite dates attached to them and if you miss one you may have to arrange an extension or possibly risk losing the entire deal. As each condition is met, I will fill out a waiver form for signatures. Note that most lawyers won’t be doing many of the tasks they need to do for closing until the conditions are waived.
  
  
• After the conditions have been met, get all further documents to your lawyer. Electronic registration and title insurance have significantly changed the way titles on properties are transferred.
  
  
• If no current land survey exists on the property, arrange for one soon.
  
  
• Contact your lending institution to begin the process of finalizing mortgage documents.
  
  
• Your lawyer will contact the buyer's lawyer with any questions or issues regarding title and costs.
  
  
• I will give you a list of phone numbers so you can contact the utilities and telephone and cable companies well in advance to discontinue services. I have the knowledge, the training and the experience to effectively market your home and to look out for your best interests throughout the entire selling process.

Downsizing Your Home

No matter where you’re moving to, downsizing isn’t easy. Sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be emotionally and physically exhausting. But getting rid of clutter can also be rewarding. Ease the process by enlisting a professional to help sort trash from treasures.

KEEP

1. Start by focusing on what you’re taking with you.
2. Create a vision for your new space, map out a floor plan and decide what will fit. Too much clutter may overcrowd your new space, but be sure to keep what’s most important.
3. Take a selection of valuables that are reminiscent of home and choose furniture that’s comfortable and familiar.

GIVE AWAY

1. Offer valuables to family and friends first. Share memories with loved ones to ensure they appreciate the value of your offering. “Then, get creative with giving. Bring meatballs to a dinner party in a hand-me-down serving dish and fill teacups with chocolates or candies.
2. Next, consider charities with pickup service. Giving furniture and appliances to a women’s shelter or an immigrant family not only feels good but also helps those in need.
3. Other giveaway options include libraries, schools and churches.

SELL

1. Have realistic expectations when it comes to selling your belongings. We tend to over-value things we’re attached to.
2. Secure an appraiser to help determine value, or compare similar items on websites like eBay or Craigslist. You’ll make more money selling things online, but consignment stores offer an easier solution.
3. For valuable furniture and antiques, consider an estate sale or auction house.

THROW OUT

1. Anything that is chipped, broken or dirty is likely suited for the trash.
2. Think green when it comes to disposal. Choose a junk disposal service that will pick up your trash and recycle it accordingly.
3. Try not to be home when the junk truck comes, as it can be difficult to watch.

TOP 10 DOWNSIZING TIPS!

1. Begin three to six months in advance.
2. Keep track of where everything goes.
3. Once designated, move items quickly.
4. Take photos of valuables to preserve memories.
5. Reminisce and share stories as you de-clutter.
6. Begin at 12 o’clock and work clockwise through each room.
7. Don’t sell anything until relatives have seen it first.
8. Know that your donations will help those in need.
9. Do a second round of de-cluttering once you relocate.
10. Honour your feelings and emotions during this process.